Though Phillip Mostert has lived in the Virgin Islands for nine years, Friday was his first time attending the Carrot Bay Cultural Fiesta.
But the South African did not come just to watch the annual event. With a background in riding horses, Mr. Mostert said the donkey races were something he felt he had to “try at least once.”
So he took to the “saddle,” which for him was a piece of foam, and raced three times. He had mixed results. During one of the races, an opponent was bucked off his donkey at the starting line and Mr. Mostert lost to the riderless donkey that finished ahead of him anyway.
The annual donkey races were among many traditional activities held in the village last Thursday through Saturday. The lineup also included a fishing tournament honouring fisherman Cyril Molyneaux, local food, live music, moko jumbies and traditional games.
Though the crowds were modest on Friday afternoon, the event was not lacking in energy.
“Carrot Bay just brings the cultural vibe to the festival,” said Agriculture and Fisheries Junior Minister Dr. Karl Dawson, who represents Carrot Bay and the rest of the First District. “I think that the festival in general, in my view, was very successful in terms of the village activity, the various performances. And the entertainers were very good and very well received.”
Seeing friends
For Dr. Dawson, the event is also an opportunity to catch up with old friends.
“If you hang around, you’ll always see somebody you haven’t seen for quite some time,” he said.
Also among the attendees was Mr. Mostert’s friend Dani Pinto.
New to the VI, the American has been working at Beyond the Reef for a few months. Like Mr. Mostert, she has a background in riding horses and took part in the donkey races.
“I’m never ever going to forget riding on a donkey — never ever going to forget that,” she said.
While Dr. Dawson didn’t get on a donkey this year, he spoke highly of the races.
“You know, it’s a fun kind of a thing,” he said. “Obviously, they’re not as graceful as a horse, not as fast as a horse. But it can still be competitive when it’s two donkeys in a race.”
Mr. Mostert’s 10-year-old dog Snowy also got to experience what it’s like to be on the back of a donkey. Placed on the back of the one Mr. Mostert had been racing, the tiny dog sat calmly as if to pose for her owner’s photo.
The last race, held shortly before the sun set, did not go as well as the others since police stopped clearing traffic and the donkeys shared the road with cars and scooters.
“That was really dangerous,” Mr. Mostert said after finishing his third and final donkey race.
Ms. Pinto agreed, adding that as they neared the finish line, she feared her donkey would ride into Mr. Mostert’s donkey.
Performers
Carrot Bay also hosted three nights of music.
Last Thursday, performers included the Shooting Stars, DJ Fireblaze, Harambe the Band, Evo HD, this year’s Calypso Monarch, Militant and Intrusive.
On Friday, the event was hosted by DJ Dre and featured DJ Marz, Razor Blades, this year’s Soca Monarch, Xclusive featuring Jarvy, Rudy Live, OMG and Xtreme featuring Pascal and Harella.
Saturday night — when Carrot Bay had to compete with the Last Lap concert in Road Town — featured entertainment from The Association, Ova Drive and Jam Band.